LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR

Matt. 22:39

General Class10-JAN-2016

CHURCH OF CHRIST, SANGOTEDO

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURMatt. 22:39 Greatest commandment next to loving GOD 1 Cor. 13:5-7

INGREDIENTS/CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE ---1 Cor. 13:5-7 To love anyone at all, we must exhibit these

ingredients Ones character is enhanced only when he or she

becomes an active participant of/in a community

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR cont’d

If one wishes his neighbour to do good to him he must FIRST do good to his neighbour

Good neighbour > Good citizen> Good Christian Everyone needs a good neighbour. No man is an

island. No single tree can make a forest It is essential that everyone in a community lives

in peaceful harmony with one another Neighbour is the work of individuals doing good to

others as they want others to do to them. Joining together to do good for the benefit of all

RESPECT OTHERS Matt. 19:18-20 The young ruler came to JESUS. His response to

JESUS “All these things I have kept.” Matt 19:20 shows he was a good neighbour

We show respect to our neighbours when exhibit the charactertics listed above. You will not convert your neighbours’ wife if you respect him

DO GOOD Matt. 7:12 Initiate good will to others Do not wait for others. Take the first step in doing

good Even when poorly or wrongly rewarded or

rebuffed do good to you neighbours This is the key to being a good neighbour When we do good to all people, all people will do

good to you – Luke 6:38 Take the initiative; Do good and give. The same

will eventually be done to you. Men may fail but God will surely reward your good neighbourliness

SPEAK TRUTH Eph. 4:25, Ps. 15:3, Prov. 25:17 -18

Cheating, lying, bearing false witnesses shows lack of respect and love

Both the thieves and liars in a society show no respect to others. They are self-centered. These do not love God or their neighbours. Gossips and tale-bearers are in the same world.

Neighbours do not trust them

PROTECT OTHERS Rom. 13:10. Rom. 14:13, Rom. 15:2

Good neighbours do no harm to one another Do not put stumbling block Good neighbour does not falsely accuse one

another or judge hastily A good neighbour seeks to please others in order

that they be encouraged By not lying, cheating, stealing or falsely accusing

others, one protects his or her neighbour

NO DISCRIMINATION James 2:8-9 Love your neighbour “inspite of” not “because of” Tribes, religion, education, riches or poverty Do good to all men as much as it is within you,

unbelievers inclusive

PUTTING A COAL OF FIRE

ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS’

(ENEMIES) HEAD

Prov. 25:21-22, Rom 12:20GW Edition

NIV King James

CARE IN TIMES OF CRISIS OR NEEDLk. 10:29-30, Mk. 2:1-5

Good neighbours help one another in times of crisis

When needs arise, a Christian who loves his neighbour as himself go into action to help

They do not stand aloof and watch others do that which must be done

Not necessarily money – empathy, words of encouragement, prayers, physical activity or just being there

HELP WIDOWS AND ORPHANS James 1:27 True religion is expressed when individuals show

compassion on those who have lost their spouses or parents in death

To be a good neighbour, ensure that the spiritual and physical needs of widows and orphans are met

CONCLUSION

Believers in God should always set example of what a good neighbour is. They should take the lead in servicing the need of the community.

Deal with your neighbours in a positive way that produces peaceful co-existence

Though evil doers exist, this does not mean we should neglect doing good to our neighbours or even our enemies

Let your light so shine before men that many see your good works and glorify God